Waltham Forest street wardens strike over unsocial hours payments

Street wardens in Waltham Forest, east London, struck for half a day on Wednesday of last week in a dispute over unsocial hours payments.

The wardens, who are members of the Unite union, are demanding the council repay £2,500 for the four years that they received less than the nationally agreed terms.

Despite the fact that Unite dropped its original claim of £5,000, the council has only offered £2,000. Juliet, who has worked as a warden for three years, says that the way she and her colleagues have been treated reflects the way their job is undervalued by the council.

“This is not just about the money,” she told Socialist Worker. “It is about recognition and respect. Council bosses think we are soft touch but by going on strike we’re showing them that we are prepared to fight for our rights.”

Unite plans a further half day strike this week.

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